Rating: 
Summary: It's A Keeper
Review: All I can say is,"Don't have or make any plans when picking up Passion Marks" because you will not be able to put it down for a minute. Hayes pulled me into a world that I never knew existed -same sex domestic violence. It brought to light the complexities that exist for gay men that are caught in such unfortunate situations in our machismo/homophobic society. I enjoyed this novel tremendously, because Hayes dealt head-on with difficult issues concerning the African-American gay community. Unlike E. Lynn Harris who skirts around topics or waters-down gay intimacy for his heterosexual readers. My only criticism, is that the character of Croix wasn't fully developed. However, hopefully Mr. Hayes will focus on Croix's story in his next novel. :) My $.02
Rating:
Summary: A Fresh New Voice and New Twist on a Familiar Subject
Review: Although I brought this book from another site, I fell in love with the new author, Lee Hayes, descriptive and delicate style on a painful subject, abuse. The author doesn't make his character innocent by making him a victim of his circumstance, but instead he makes his lead character more human by making the same decision one who is living the ordeal on a day-by-day basis.
The author flows through each episode, from its up and downs to the gritty conclusion. The author leaves with a passion mark of his own, and I'm hooked. I cant wait for part two to this story due out later this year.
The African American fiction gere is a small field where our past griots have left a standard that few have achieved. Lee Hayes has proven with this debut novel that he is on his way to being one himself.
Rating:
Summary: Hard truth
Review: Deep. Real Deep. Excellen wwriting about a very difficult subject -- domestic violence in the Black Gay/Lesbian community. Comapssionately exposes the self-destructive/self-hating mind of the one allowing the abuse.
Rating: 
Summary: You have control over all else...
Review: First, I had a hard time rating this book, because it really depends on what you like to read. Lee Hayes is being compared in many cases to E.Lynn Harris. Well I find that he is much more graphic and explicit in his writing and more direct. Passion Marks is well written. James has had some turmoil in his life, but have succeeded in making a name for himself and his company. He has it all a successful career and business, a Mansion, expensive cars and a strong hold on Kevin. Kevin is mourning the death of his twin brother,and allows himself to be controlled because of his guilt. Mr.Hayes shows that gay relationships go through the same turmoil that heterosexual relationship can go through. He shows a more tender, romantic, caring and emotional side in these men, but he also shows the mean, rough, Physical over powering also. Kevin has the support of his friends, but they only know so much. Mr.Hayes has balance in this story that shows that a person has the control to get themselves in and out of situations, by facing their problems head on. James has been traumatized and has received no help, Kevin should have dealt with his guilt at the time of his twins death and he would not have to deal with all he is going through. I recommend that you read this book with a open mind, You will not be able to figure out what will happen next, it is not your typical ending or beginning, but it is a easy read. Mr. Hayes is on his way... He tells the story so you don't have to imagine anything, you know exactly what is going on. So Good job Mr. Hayes
Rating:
Summary: Eye Opening Read!!!
Review: Great book Lee! It will open your eyes about abusive relationships and how they can and did happen to a male instead of a female in this heart wrenching story. This is a very emotional read and should be read by all! Can't hardly wait for your next book!
Rating:
Summary: Great Read
Review: Great book. Fast-paced. I like the way the author delved into domestic abuse in homosexual relationships. Can't wait to read his next book.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Marvelous
Review: I had the honor of meeting Mr. Hayes at my favorite bookstore, Sepia Sand and Sable. I am so glad I bought the book. I bought it to support the author, but I did not think it would be a good read. Was I wrong. This book has to be put in my top 20 of all time favorites. It was captivating, and it taught you that domestic abuse is not isolated to hetero-sexual relationships only. Also, it killed any mis-conceptions about the way gays act. All I can say is "SIMPLY MARVELOUS"
Rating:
Summary: Passion????? More like Control will Mark your life......
Review: I honestly have a hard time rating this story and for many reasons. One This story shows domestic violence in a same sex relationship, it shows that masculinity in any man can be challenged. It tells that same sex relationship that are dysfunctional or functional have the same problems that heterosexual relationship can encounter. Kevin is grieving over his twin brothers death and he has allowed James to just take over his life. As the story unfolds you find that Kevin has a difficult time facing the truth about situations and waits entirely to long to be honest with people in his life. Their is always a repercussion behind dealing with Kevin. This is the first book that I have ever read that shows same sex relationships in this manner. Lee Hayes has shown you the sensitive side of the same sex relationship, also the romantic settings that you relate to in heterosexual relationship, for instance candles, roses, love notes etc... He definitely shows you a more graphic scenario of the intimate encounters of 2 males. I can't fairly rate this book on a scale, it depends on your reading pleasure, So I am going to rate it in the middle, a #3. The Drama, suspense, sex, abuse, devious plots and twist are definitely in this book. This is definitely more graphic than what I have ever read by E.Lynn Harris... I will tell you also that it is a book that once you start it you will finish it, if for no other reason than for curiosity... and in this story curiosity did kill the cat.
Rating:
Summary: Very captivating read
Review: I read this book a few days ago, and I find myself still thinking about it. This is a story about a gay relationship that begins as a romantic dream and ends up being a nightmare. Kevin Davis thinks he has found the perfect partner, lover, and soulmate. He becomes involved with James Lancaster, a wealthy CEO who runs his own software company, and although both men are masculine and educated, Kevin is emotionally blackmailed into taking on this WIFEY role. By means of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, James turns Kevin into someone that he himself does not even recognize anymore. When Kevin attempts to leave the relationship, things not only become more violent and unstable, they turn deadly. This novel was a page turner, and I highly recommend it. Lee Haynes has definitely made his mark on the literary world with this one.
Rating:
Summary: Truely an Awesome book
Review: I read this book and I must say, "WOW". Passion Marks held my attention from the time I opened the first page until I reached the last. I have bragged about this book for days as well as encouraged all of my friends to get a copy. It's refresing to read a book that explores all aspects of same-sex relationships. Move over E. Lynn Harris there's a new guy in town!!
Congratulations Lee and much success with your writing.
P.S. - You MUST write about Croix next. I would love to know what trials and tribulations he goes through in search of his true love.
| 
